Transfer Manual: CLEP, AP, and IB Exams

The University awards lower division credit for successful scores on the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement (AP), and higher level International Baccalaureate Program (IB) exams (IB exams have no ACE recommendation). These are the only sources of credit by examination that transfer to USF. A detailed description of the tests (CLEP and AP) and suggested credit award can be found in ACE's Guide to Educational Credit by Examination. Note that on some tests USF uses a different scoring scale or awards a different amount of credit than the ACE recommendation.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Grades are not awarded for CLEP exams and the credit is not reflected in the student's grade point average. CLEP credit may be awarded at the time of admission or the tests may be taken while students are enrolled at USF. CPS students may take CLEP exams following completion of their cohort program to complete degree requirements. USF does not require the optional essay portion offered with some CLEP tests.

USF students, except those enrolled in CPS, must fill out a PEAI form and get proper approval before taking the CLEP if they wish to receive credit. As with all transcripts, it is the student's responsibility to have official test results sent to USF. In requesting CLEP transcripts the CEEB code for USF is 4850.

Credits from CLEP tests are considered transfer units and do not satisfy USF residency requirements.

CLEP requires a six-month waiting period before a student can repeat a failed CLEP exam but will make an exception at a school's request. Students who wish to repeat a failed test must seek permission from the University Evaluator and the appropriate Dean of their school or college.

For information on test dates, sites and score reports contact:

CLEP General Examinations

The general examinations measure familiarity with the material covered in courses taken during the first two years of college. Six lower division units are granted to the student who successfully completes the general CLEP exam with the required score even if the student has taken a college course in that subject. The exception is the English Composition CLEP which is considered a duplicate of course work.

CLEP Subject Examinations

The subject exams measure knowledge usually achieved in specific college courses and are used to grant credit for, or exemption from these courses. Credit will not be awarded if a student has previously been awarded credit for a corresponding course.

USF follows the ACE minimum raw score recommendation for awarding credit.

The number of units awarded are those recommended by ACE. In the case of language subject exams, a USF placement exam is required for course equivalency.

CLEP subject exams change from time to time. For a complete list of tests, minimum score for awarding credit, and number of semester hours awarded see ACE's Guide to Educational Credit by Examination. For USF course equivalency see the USF catalog. Core Curriculum credit is awarded according to the principles outlined in the Core Curriculum section of this manual.

College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations

The University honors credit that high school students may earn through College Board Advanced Placement examinations. AP exams must be taken before graduating from high school. Details concerning test dates, registration, and fees are available through the high school counselor. The student should arrange for official test results to be sent to USF, although results reported on the high school transcript are acceptable. USF's CEEB code is 4850.

Grades are not awarded for AP credit nor is the credit reflected in the cumulative USF GPA or the transfer GPA.

A minimum score of 3 is required on each exam to receive credit (except calculus, where a minimum score of 4 is required).

The number of units awarded by USF for AP exams is different than the ACE recommendation. For USF course equivalency, and number of units awarded, etc., please see the current USF catalog.

Core Curriculum credit is awarded according to the principles outlined in the Core Curriculum section of this manual.

To request AP score reports students should call (609) 771-7300 or visit www.collegeboard.org.

For a current list of tests see ACE's Guide to Educational Credit by Examination.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Examinations

The University recognizes the International Baccalaureate Program. USF will grant 10 units of credit for each higher level result of 4, 5, 6, or 7.

Where applicable these credits will be applied to the Core Curriculum.

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